The 457 program allows Australian businesses to recruit staff internationally in order to address skills shortages being experienced from within the local labour market. There are 3 processing stages in sponsoring an employee from overseas under the 457 visa program:

1. Sponsorship - The employer appllies for approval as Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).

2. Nomination -  The employer nominates an occupation and the person being sponsored.

3. Visa application - The sponsored candidate applies for the 457 visa.

Stage one - Sponsorship

This consists of demonstrating that you are a lawfully operating business, have the financial capabilities of paying the sponsored persons salary and have a commitment to training.

Stage two - Nomination

This is simply a matter of nominating a position or positions within the business that are to be filled and the corresponding persons being sponsored. This needs to be consistent with the normal business activities of the sponsoring business.

Stage three - Visa application

This stage is where the proposed employee/candidate applies for their visa. They must be able to demonstrate that they possess the relevant skills, qualifications and/or work experience to carry out the nominated occupation. Applicants may also be required to demonstrate that they possess a required level of English language ability.

Once finalised the SBS approval from DIAC will be valid for 2 years or until the maximum number of temporary business entrants nominated by the company has been reached.

In addition to this, there are other important issues that employers will need to be aware of, such as employer/sponsorship obligations etc.

For more detailed information, please register your details and we will get back to you as soon as possible.